"I am pleased that you should want to sing something of mine" - Autograph Letter Signed

ALS from the important English composer to a Miss Grove recommending some of his pieces for her chorus.  2 pp., undated, on stationary for the English Opera Group: "Dear Miss Grove, Thank you for your nice letter. Congratulations on your fine success with your Choral Society. / I am pleased that you should want to sing something of mine.  A Capella. I have already written several pieces: - ‘A Boy was Born’ [op. 3] – a considerable & difficult piece, lasting about 20 minutes, with some boys’ voices (not difficult).  O.U.P. / ‘Hymn to St. Cecilia’ – a shorter & not so exacting piece, with a short soprano solo (can be taken for the choir) (Boosey’s Hawkes).  Apart from a part-song or two, Booseys are now bringing out Five Flower songs [op. 47] which I’ve only recently completed.  They’d be suitable for your choir, I should think. / In thanks, with best wishes for the choir. / Yours sincerely, [Signature]."  Vertical and horizontal crease with two small incidents of spotting, else fine.  8 x 7 inches (20.3 x 17.8 cm.).

Provenance: The estate of J.D. McClatchy (1945-2018), American poet, librettist, literary critic, and former president of The American Academy of Arts and Letters, Stonington, CT. (18921)

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Classical Music

TLS

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